An unwanted proposition Nealuchi: Oh my! If it isn't young Prince Serenes! Welcome, welcome, welcome. Reyson: Nealuchi, you're looking well. Nealuchi: And feeling well, too, thank you very much. This old crow's as spry as ever. Hee hee!...Tell me though. How fares your father, King Lorazieh? Reyson: The same as ever. Since that terrible day, he remains abed... He seldom rises anymore. Nealuchi: Mmm... I'm not surprised. In the span of a few days, he lost his family, his friends, and almost all of his countrymen. Reyson: Yes... Nealuchi: And yet, we're blessed that you are still with us! Prince Reyson, if there's anything this doddering old bird can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask. Reyson: Thank you. I appreciate your kind sentiment. Naesala: Sorry to have kept you waiting, Reyson. Nealuchi! You can talk ancient history later. Leave us at once. Nealuchi: Yes, yes, of course. I'm sure you've much to talk about, much to say. I'll just take my leave of you...Please, Prince Reyson. Make yourself at home. Naesala: Hmph! Old Nealuchi's always been fond of House Serenes. When he heard the White Prince himself was gracing us with a visit, he could barely contain his joy. So, Prince. What's this all about? We haven't seen your face around here in a long time, and I'm naturally quite curious as to your intentions. Reyson: Your attitude during the Goldoa meeting piqued my interest. What is it you're after, Naesala? Why do you provoke Tibarn? Naesala: You came all this way for that? Are you serious? Reyson: Do not mock me, crow king! Tibarn is my father's guardian. If not for him, we might have suffered the end of House Serenes itself. I will not brook any insults to him. Naesala: Oh, I see. So rather than ally yourself with me, your trusted companion of old, you would side with this new protector? That's an unfortunate shift in attitude. I trust you remember that when you and your sister were young, it was I, and not Tibarn, who watched over you? Reyson: Any change in my bearing can be laid at your roost, Naesala. After all...you, my old friend, are the one who continues to engage in commerce with my enemy. With humans. If you were to change your ways, I'm sure we could rebuild the relationship the two of us once shared. Naesala: Oh no, that I could never do. You see, humans are essential to the fulfillment of my ambitions. Reyson: ...You've changed, Naesala. If this is the path you've chosen, I've nothing left to say. Naesala: ...I doubt you could ever understand what it means to guard Kilvas, Prince. To protect an entire country. Raven Laguz: King Naesala! Duke Tanas of the Begnion Imperial Senate has arrived. Naesala: Bring him in. Oliver: Your Majesty! J-just now, I brushed against the most splendid specimen! W-was that a Serenes noble? They're supposed to be extinct! Naesala: And what if it were? Oliver: Oh, I was right! Wonderful! My eyes did not deceive me. Those dazzling white wings. And that shimmering hair, sparkling like falling gold dust...That is the crystallization of beauty in its purest form-- Naesala: Duke Oliver, can we please discuss the business at hand? Per your request, we have appropriated several pieces of art from the ships of Duke Gaddos. Oliver: Yes, yes, and you will be compensated as promised. But right now there is...something else that I simply must have. Naesala: Really? Another request? What can we purloin for you today? More art, perhaps? Oliver: Oh ho! Something much more stunning. And if you agree to my proposition, I will double your normal fee! Naesala: That is a most generous offer. Tell me, what is it you desire? Oliver: Desire? But surely you've already guessed...
The trap is set Reyson: Naesala! Stop this foolishness! Where are you taking me? Tell me! Naesala: It's only a little farther! I'll tell you once we've arrived, just as I promised. Reyson: I left no word with Tibarn. If I had known we were coming this far, I would have left a message... Naesala: Here we are. This is what I wanted to show you. Look below you, Reyson. What do you see? Reyson: What...what is this? How is this possible? What happened here?! Naesala: ... Reyson: This...is Serenes? Is this what you're trying to tell me?! This colorless vista, these cracked and withered branches, these lifeless trees... This is my forest? [Sacred trees! Seed, root, and trunk! Awake from your slumber and heed my cry! Answer the call of the green, mighty ones!] Naesala: ...The ancient tongue. It's been many years since I heard it last. You can still speak it. Reyson: The voice of the forest is still. Why... How did this... Naesala: It's been like this since your clan's been gone. The area near the entrance is especially bad. They used fire...Most of the trees are dead. Reyson: ...Unforgivable. How...how can they do things like this. Cursed humans... What did this forest do? What did my clan do... Naesala: Humans hold all laguz in contempt. And in the same way, they hold all of nature in contempt as well. They think everything exists for their pleasure and betterment...They are beneath contempt. Reyson: Naesala... It appears that I have misjudged you. I called you a groveling toady to humans and labeled you traitor. I was overly harsh. I apologize. Naesala: Not to worry. I engage in occasional commerce with humans...That much is true. A more pressing issue is the growing darkness. You can return to Phoenicis tomorrow, can you not? I'm certain that some noble has a villa in this area. At this time of year, it is almost certain to be empty. I suggest we borrow it for the evening. Reyson: You would sleep in a human building? Naesala: Think about it... Bird folk like you and I have no night vision whatsoever. If we were discovered by humans, they would surely overwhelm and capture us, right? Reyson: Mmm... I see your point. Naesala: Very good. I'll go stumble around until I find something to eat. Please...make yourself comfortable. Reyson: Naesala! Naesala: Yes? Reyson: Thank you. For everything you've done. I...I appreciate it. Naesala: Don't be ridiculous. We're old friends,are we not? Reyson: Right you are! Old friend. Naesala: Is everything in place? Raven Laguz: Yes. That Duke Tanas cannot sit still. He is literally...quivering with anticipation. It's not pretty. Naesala: I bet it isn't. Just make sure that mountain of suet stays hidden. If Reyson catches so much as a glimpse of his bulk, he will take wing. Raven Laguz: Understood. Naesala: Now, time to put on the finishing touches. This, too, I do to raise up Kilvas. Reyson, please don't judge me too harshly. That being said, I'm sure you will. Ah, well. Such is life. Enjoy your new one... Old friend...
Chapter 15: The Feral Frontier
Date: 2015-09-09 04:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-09-09 04:16 pm (UTC)Nealuchi: Oh my! If it isn't young Prince Serenes! Welcome, welcome, welcome.
Reyson: Nealuchi, you're looking well.
Nealuchi: And feeling well, too, thank you very much. This old crow's as spry as ever. Hee hee!...Tell me though. How fares your father, King Lorazieh?
Reyson: The same as ever. Since that terrible day, he remains abed... He seldom rises anymore.
Nealuchi: Mmm... I'm not surprised. In the span of a few days, he lost his family, his friends, and almost all of his countrymen.
Reyson: Yes...
Nealuchi: And yet, we're blessed that you are still with us! Prince Reyson, if there's anything this doddering old bird can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask.
Reyson: Thank you. I appreciate your kind sentiment.
Naesala: Sorry to have kept you waiting, Reyson. Nealuchi! You can talk ancient history later. Leave us at once.
Nealuchi: Yes, yes, of course. I'm sure you've much to talk about, much to say. I'll just take my leave of you...Please, Prince Reyson. Make yourself at home.
Naesala: Hmph! Old Nealuchi's always been fond of House Serenes. When he heard the White Prince himself was gracing us with a visit, he could barely contain his joy. So, Prince. What's this all about? We haven't seen your face around here in a long time, and I'm naturally quite curious as to your intentions.
Reyson: Your attitude during the Goldoa meeting piqued my interest. What is it you're after, Naesala? Why do you provoke Tibarn?
Naesala: You came all this way for that? Are you serious?
Reyson: Do not mock me, crow king! Tibarn is my father's guardian. If not for him, we might have suffered the end of House Serenes itself. I will not brook any insults to him.
Naesala: Oh, I see. So rather than ally yourself with me, your trusted companion of old, you would side with this new protector? That's an unfortunate shift in attitude. I trust you remember that when you and your sister were young, it was I, and not Tibarn, who watched over you?
Reyson: Any change in my bearing can be laid at your roost, Naesala. After all...you, my old friend, are the one who continues to engage in commerce with my enemy. With humans. If you were to change your ways, I'm sure we could rebuild the relationship the two of us once shared.
Naesala: Oh no, that I could never do. You see, humans are essential to the fulfillment of my ambitions.
Reyson: ...You've changed, Naesala. If this is the path you've chosen, I've nothing left to say.
Naesala: ...I doubt you could ever understand what it means to guard Kilvas, Prince. To protect an entire country.
Raven Laguz: King Naesala! Duke Tanas of the Begnion Imperial Senate has arrived.
Naesala: Bring him in.
Oliver: Your Majesty! J-just now, I brushed against the most splendid specimen! W-was that a Serenes noble? They're supposed to be extinct!
Naesala: And what if it were?
Oliver: Oh, I was right! Wonderful! My eyes did not deceive me. Those dazzling white wings. And that shimmering hair, sparkling like falling gold dust...That is the crystallization of beauty in its purest form--
Naesala: Duke Oliver, can we please discuss the business at hand? Per your request, we have appropriated several pieces of art from the ships of Duke Gaddos.
Oliver: Yes, yes, and you will be compensated as promised. But right now there is...something else that I simply must have.
Naesala: Really? Another request? What can we purloin for you today? More art, perhaps?
Oliver: Oh ho! Something much more stunning. And if you agree to my proposition, I will double your normal fee!
Naesala: That is a most generous offer. Tell me, what is it you desire?
Oliver: Desire? But surely you've already guessed...
The trap is set
Reyson: Naesala! Stop this foolishness! Where are you taking me? Tell me!
Naesala: It's only a little farther! I'll tell you once we've arrived, just as I promised.
Reyson: I left no word with Tibarn. If I had known we were coming this far, I would have left a message...
Naesala: Here we are. This is what I wanted to show you. Look below you, Reyson. What do you see?
Reyson: What...what is this? How is this possible? What happened here?!
Naesala: ...
Reyson: This...is Serenes? Is this what you're trying to tell me?! This colorless vista, these cracked and withered branches, these lifeless trees... This is my forest? [Sacred trees! Seed, root, and trunk! Awake from your slumber and heed my cry! Answer the call of the green, mighty ones!]
Naesala: ...The ancient tongue. It's been many years since I heard it last. You can still speak it.
Reyson: The voice of the forest is still. Why... How did this...
Naesala: It's been like this since your clan's been gone. The area near the entrance is especially bad. They used fire...Most of the trees are dead.
Reyson: ...Unforgivable. How...how can they do things like this. Cursed humans... What did this forest do? What did my clan do...
Naesala: Humans hold all laguz in contempt. And in the same way, they hold all of nature in contempt as well. They think everything exists for their pleasure and betterment...They are beneath contempt.
Reyson: Naesala... It appears that I have misjudged you. I called you a groveling toady to humans and labeled you traitor. I was overly harsh. I apologize.
Naesala: Not to worry. I engage in occasional commerce with humans...That much is true. A more pressing issue is the growing darkness. You can return to Phoenicis tomorrow, can you not? I'm certain that some noble has a villa in this area. At this time of year, it is almost certain to be empty. I suggest we borrow it for the evening.
Reyson: You would sleep in a human building?
Naesala: Think about it... Bird folk like you and I have no night vision whatsoever. If we were discovered by humans, they would surely overwhelm and capture us, right?
Reyson: Mmm... I see your point.
Naesala: Very good. I'll go stumble around until I find something to eat. Please...make yourself comfortable.
Reyson: Naesala!
Naesala: Yes?
Reyson: Thank you. For everything you've done. I...I appreciate it.
Naesala: Don't be ridiculous. We're old friends,are we not?
Reyson: Right you are! Old friend.
Naesala: Is everything in place?
Raven Laguz: Yes. That Duke Tanas cannot sit still. He is literally...quivering with anticipation. It's not pretty.
Naesala: I bet it isn't. Just make sure that mountain of suet stays hidden. If Reyson catches so much as a glimpse of his bulk, he will take wing.
Raven Laguz: Understood.
Naesala: Now, time to put on the finishing touches. This, too, I do to raise up Kilvas. Reyson, please don't judge me too harshly. That being said, I'm sure you will. Ah, well. Such is life. Enjoy your new one... Old friend...